Automobile transmission



March 26, 1940- I J. GETAZ- 2,195,365

' AUTOMOBILE TRANSMISSION Filed 001;. a, 1932 s Shqets-Sheet 1 Fig.1. I

Acee/era/br INVENTOR JAMES L.G ETAZ BY HIS ATTORNEYS March 26, J. 1,.GETAZ 2,195,365

AUTDIOBILE TRANSIISSION I Filed Oct. 8, 1932 3 Shoots-Sheet 2 T a- H BRAk5 A CCELERATOR INVENTOR JAMES L. GETAZ av ms ATTORNEYS Patented Mar.26, 19.40.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 4 2,195,365 AUTOMOBILE TRANSMISSION James L.Getaz, Maryvllle, Tenn.

Application October 8,

r 41 Claims.

This invention relates to means for shifting gears of an automobile andmore. particularly to a power operated means for such purpose and its 3controlling means and it is an object of this in- 5 vention to providemeans controlled by the operators manipulation of the accelerator pedalfor shifting the gears through the various positions from neutralposition to high gear and for returning the gears to neutral positionupon the l stopping of the car by the application of the brake. It isalso an object of this invention to provide a means whereby the positionof the gears determines the possible succeeding operation of the gears.It isalso an object of this invention to provide a means for operatingthe clutch to permit of readily shifting the gears and to provide meansfor engaging the clutch at a rate dependent upon the relative speeds ofthe one embodiment of this invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a modification'of theapparatus shown in Fig. 1;

and

Figures 3 to '10 inclusive are fragmentary diagrammatic viewsillustrating various operative positions of a further modification.

As shown in Figure 1, in addition to the usual gear set A, brake pedall'l, clutch pedal II and accelerator pedal ll, there is provided avacuum cylinder it having a piston or diaphragm therein connected bylink Ila to an extension Ha of the clutch operating pedal 1|. The vacuumcylinder I4 is connected through 'valve lib and pipe I 40 to the intakemanifold 35 of the engine. A container Md is provided to enlarge.the capacity of the pipe ldc which is kept at reduced pressure and thusaccelerate the operation of the vacuum cylinder I while a check valvelle prevents the flow of gas from the manifold 35 to the container Mdand tends to maintain the container at the reduced pressure when theengine is stopped. Valve Nb controls the connection of the cylinder M tothe intake manifold 35 and is operated by either one of solenoids andI9. Admission of air to the cylinder I4 is controlled by means of avalve 65 operated by means of a solenoid 29. To operate the gear set Ato the low, intermediate and high gear positions, there are provided thesolenoids 42,48 and 55 respectively Figure 1 is a diagrammatic viewillustratin 1932, Serial No. 636,907 (on. 192-.01)

which are connected to the rods 40 and 50 of the gear set. Operated bymovement of the rods 40 and 50 are switches 44, 39 and Ill operated bythe rod 40 and switches 56, 28 and H operated by the rod 50 whileswitches 11 and I8 which are 6 closed by solenoids l and 80 respectivelyare opened. by the rod 50 and switch 19 which is opened by the solenoid80 is closed by the rod 50. There is also provided a generator 30drivenby the engine and generating a voltage proportional 10 to thespeed of the engine which is connected to the solenoid 29 and throughswitches 28 and Ill to the ground or to one of the commutators 26 and26a of a generator 25 driven by the car and whose voltage is arranged tooppose the voltage generated by the generator 30. The commutators of thegenerator 25 are connected to ar-' mature windings of different numbersof coils, the number of coils being such that the'voltagesgeneratedthereby are of the same proportion as the gear ratios and theswitch 28 is operated so as to oppose the voltage of the propercommutator of generator to the voltage of the generator 30. Driven fromthe same shaft as the generator 25 is a pump or impeller 33 connected2:; through pipe 33a to the expansible chamber or diaphragm 32 whichcontrols, through arm 32a, a .switch 20. a

The gear set A is provided with the usual shift lever 61 and in theusual knob thereof is provided a switch, as I6, arranged in circuitscontrolling the gear set. .The gear set is alsoprovided with rack andpinions 21 which are operated by movement of the rods 40 and 50 of thegear set so that upon operation of the gear set 35 to mesh any of thegears thereof a rack and pinion 24 is operated to close the contact inthe circuit of the associated solenoid'23. The rods 40 and are alsoprovided with pin and slot connections 49 and so'arranged that the move-40 ment of either the rods 40 and 50 to place one set of gears in meshwill operate the other of the rods 40 and 50 to place the gears operatedby said other rod in neutral position. There are also provided theswitch l8 which is operated by the 45 brake pedal l1 and switches 22,'42, 41 and 54 which are operated by the clutch pedal extension Ha andwhich are closed when the clutch pedal ismoved to disengage the clutch.There is also provided a contact l2 operated 'with the accel- 5o eratorpedal II 'and which, when the accelerator pedal is raised, engages witha contact 69 and which, when the accelerator pedal is pressed downwardto open the throttle valve in the usual manner, engages with a contact68. The 66 With' the gear set in the neutral position and the clutch.brake and accelerator pedals raised as with the car at rest, theswitches operated by the clutch and brake pedals will be open as shownin Fig. 1, while the contact l2, operated by the accelerator pedal, willbe in enga ement with the contact 99; switch l6 incthe knob of the gearshift lever 91 will be raised as shown and if desired that the systemshould be operated, the switch I5 which is placed in a convenientlyaccessible position, as on the dash board, will be closed. With the gearset in neutral position, the switches 44 and 19 operated by the rod 49are opened while the switch 99 is closed and the switches' 59 and I9operated by the rod 50 are closed while the switches 29, 14, TI and 18are open, all as shown in Figure 1. With the engine in operation, inorder to start the car the operator depresses the accelerator pedalengaging contact l2 with contact 99 and completing the circuit from thebattery I9 through leads Illa and. lllb to the solenoid l9, through leadl3a to the switch 16, through switch l5 and lead 85 to the contacts i2and 59, through lead |2a to switch 19 and lead I2 to switches 39 and 55,lead 59a to the ground through resistance 4|, thus energizing thesolenoid l3 and operating the valve Mo to connect the vacuum cylinder l4to the intake manifold 35. Operation of the diaphragm or piston ofcylinder l4 operates the clutch pedal II to disengage the clutch andoperates extension 1 I a thereof to close the switches operated thereby,thus completing a circuit through the switch 42, lead 42a and thesolenoid 43 to ground in parallel with the resistance 4|, energizing thesolenoid 43 and operating the rod 40 to place the low gear or the gearset A in mesh. Operation of the rod 49 operates switch 99 interruptingthe circuit of the solenoids l3 and 43 and permitting the valve l4b tobe restored to its normal position and to admit air to the vacuumcylinder 14 permitting the clutch pedal H to return to its normalposition and to engage the clutch. Operation of the rod 49 also operatesswitch 19 establishing connection from generator 99, solenoid 29, leads40c and 40b through resistance 40a to the ground. Generator 29 willenergize solenoid 29 and operate valve 95 to restrict the passage oi airto the vacuum cylinder l4 thus delaying .the engagement of the clutch.Operation of the rod 40 also operates the associated rack and pinion 24closing the switch of the associated solenoid 23.

Movement of the rod 40 to engage the low gear operates switch 44 toclose the same thus establishing circuits for the operation of the gearset to the second or intermediate position. With the gear set in firstor low position, when the operator desires to change to second orintermediate posiswitches closed by the extension Ila, a circuit iscompleted through switch 41, lead 41a and solenoid 49 to the ground inparallel with the resistance 49, thus energizing the solenoid 48 andoperating rod 59 to shift the gear set to the second or intermediateposition. Movement of the rod 59 through pin and slot connection 49shifts the rod 49 to the neutral position disengaging the first gear.Movement of the rod 50 through its rack and pinion 24 closes the contactof the solenoid 23 associated therewith. The movement of the rod 50 alsoopens the switch 59 interrupting the circuit oi. the solenoids I2 and 49and closes the switches 28 and I4. Rod 49, when it is shifted to neutralposition by the rod 50, opens the switches 44 and 10 and closes switch39. 'Switch 29 when engaged with the contact 21 completes a circuit fromcommutator 26 through lead 29a and 49c to the solenoid 29 so that thevoltages of the commutator 26 and generator 39 are opposed controllingthe operation or the valve 95 to regulate "the return or the clutch toengagement in accordance with the variation of the speed of the enginefrom the proper speed for engagement of the clutch.

The windings oi the generators 25, 30 are such" that it the speed of theengine is proper for engagement ofthe clutch at the speed of the car,the opposing voltages will be alike and no current will pass throughsolenoid 29 and the valve 95 will remain open permitting free access ofair to the vacuum cylinder l4 and a rapid engagement or the clutch, butif the speed of the engine is not correct in proportion to the speed orthe car for the engagement of the clutch, the opposing voltages will notbe identical and current will pass through the solenoid 29 operating thevalve 65 to partially close the valve and restrict the flow of air tothe cylinder l4, thus delaying the engagement of the clutch andpreventing objectionable jar thereby.

To supply power to the car the operator then depresses the acceleratorpedal to open the throttle valve and this movement of the acceleratorpedal ll engages contact I2 with contact 69 completing the circuit fromthe battery l9 through solenoid l3 and the leads and switches abovedescribed to contacts l2 and 58, lead l2a, switch 19 and lead II, lead13a, switch 14, lead 14a, solenoid l5 and to ground through theresistance Hi. The energizing of the solenoid 15 operates switch TI toclosed position and at the same time opens the switch 15a to interruptthe circuit through the solenoid 15. current necessary for the operationof solenoid 15 are insufficient to cause the operation of the solenoidIt so that the clutch is not operated at this time.

With the gear set in second position the operator, to change the gearset to the high or third position, permits the accelerator pedal H toraise, engaging contact l2 with contact 69 thereby completing thecircuit from battery Ill through solenoid l3 and the leads and switchesabove described to contacts l2 and 69, leads l2 and 12a, switch l'l,lead 11a and solenoid 80 to the ground through resistance 9| operatingsolenoid 90 to close switch I9 and open switches I9 and 90a, thusinterrupting the circuit of the solenoid 80. Closing of the switch 19establishes a circuit from the battery ill through solenoid l3 and theleads and switches above described to lead 85, lead 89, switch 18 andlead 81 to the ground through re- The time and sistance 59 thusenergizing the solenoid l9 and operating the clutch pedal II todisengage the clutch and to close the switches operated by the extensionIla. Closing of the switches operated the switch 84, lead 84a andsolenoid 88 to ground in parallel with the resistance 88, thusenergizing solenoid 55 and shifting the rod 88 to operate the gear setto the high or third position.

Operating the gear set to the high or third position shifts the gear setfrom thesecond or intermediate position and at the same time shifts theswitch 56 through the closed position to an open position, operatesswitch 28 to engage with the contact 21a, opens switch 14 and engageslugs 84 and 83 with switches I1 and I8 respectively to open theseswitches and engages lug 82 with switch 19 to close this switch. Switch88, however, passes through the closed'position before switch 19 isclosed so the circuit is not completed by this operation. Closing of theswitch 28 with the contact 2111 establishes a circuit from thecommutator 26a through lead 28c, switch 28 and lead.

480 to the solenoid 28 where the voltage from commutator 26a is opposedby the voltage of the generator 38 operating solenoid 28 to regulate thevalve 65 to control the return of the clutch to engaging position as thesolenoid I3 is deenergized by the opening of the switch 18 by the lug83.

With the car in motion, irrespective of which gear has been engaged, thepump. expands the collapsible chamber 32 and opens the switch 28, thearrangement being such that the switch 28 will be closed upon thereduction of the car speed to a predetermined value. With the car inmotion should the operator desire to stop the car, he depresses thebrake pedal i1 applying the brakes to the car and gradually decreasingthe speed of the car until the switch 28 closes. Operation of the brakepedal il closes switch l8 completing a circuit when switch 28 closesfrom the battery i 8 through switch i8, lead l8a, solenoid [9, lead i9a,switch 28, lead 28a and resistance 2i to the ground thereby energizingthe solenoid I9 and operating the valve ilb to disengage the clutch aswhen the solenoid I3 is energized. Operation of the clutch causes theswitch 22 to be closed by the extension Ha completing a circuit inparallel with the resistance 2i through lead 22a to whichever of thesolenoids 23 at that time has its contacts closed, energizing thesolenoid or solenoids 23 and operating the rack and pinion 24 to returnthe rod 48 or .58, or both, to

the neutral position, thus restoring all the switches to the positionsshown in Fig. 10.

Should it be desired to shift the gears manually, the operator bygrasping the knob of the gear shift lever 61 and depressing the switchIt will complete a circuit from the battery 18 through leads- Illa, l8b,solenoid l3, lead i3a and switch I 8 to the ground, thus energizing thesolenoid l3 and operating the clutch lever H to disengage the clutch.The gear shift lever 6'! is then operated to shift the gears to thedesired position and the gear shift lever released, whereupon the switchit is returned to its raised position, in-

terrupting the circuit through the solenoid l3, de-energizing thesolenoid i3 and permitting the clutch to be returned to engagement. Theoperation of the rods 48 and 58 by the gear shift lever, however,establishes the proper circuits between the generators 25 and 38 so'that the solenoid 29 is operated to control the return of the clutch toengagement, thus providing for the mechanical operation of the clutchand the control of the clutch during engagement in connection with themanual operation of the gears. Further, when it is desired that theentire operation of clutch and gears be performed by the operator, the

, v switch ll isleft, open preventing energizing of any of thesolenoids.

. In the modification shown in Fig. 2, the gear set A is provided withsolenoids 43, 48 and 85" in the prior construction. The rod 48, however,is arranged to operate switches 44 and 38 while rod 88 is arranged tooperate switches 56, and 28. The usual gear shift lever 81 having aswitch IS in the knob thereof is provided. The

usual clutch lever ll, brake lever I1 and accelerator pedal II areprovided, the clutch pedal being provided with an extension 'Ilawhichoperates switches 22, 42, 81 and 84 asin the. previous construction. Theclutch pedal is operated by a vacuum cylinder 14 which is controlled byvalves b and 88 and the valve b is controlled by the solenoids i3 and I8as in the previous construction, while the valve 35 is operated by asolenoid 28 governed by opposed voltages from the generators 25 and 38as in the other construction. In addition there is also provided a lever66 pivoted at 86a and operated'by the rod 48 to govern the operation ofthe valve 85 when the gears are placed in low or first position andthere is also provided a contact bar 3| pivotally and movably sup rtedat its ends by collapsible diaphragms or chambers 32 and 34, thecollapsible chamber 32 being expanded by pressure from the pump33through pipe 33a as in the other construction,

which cooperate with suitably positioned fixed contacts in completingcircuits for the control of the gear shift mechanism and the speed ofthe engine. There is also provided a contact bar 31, the position ofwhich depends entirely upon the degree of expansion of the collapsiblechamber 32 and the bar 31 is also provided with a plurality of contactscooperating with fixed contacts in the control of the gear shift and thereturn of the clutch to engagement.

The modification shown in Figures 3 to provides for a mechanicalconnection between the bar 3| and the accelerator pedal II.

In the construction shown in Figure 2, the end of the bar 3i which isoperated by the collapsible diaphragm will have its position depend moreor less closely on the position of the accelerator, that is, the workbeing done by the engine will be dependent more or less upon theposition of the accelerator so that the operation of the bar 3| inFigure 2 and Figures 3 to 101s substantially the same. The bar 31, whichdepends entirely upon the expansion of the collapsible chamber 32,

is also shown in Figures 3 toj10. In Figures 3 to 10 the remainder ofthe circuits may be as shown in Figure 2 but they are omitted from thesefigures for the sake of clearness.

With the gear set in the neutral-position and the accelerator, brake andclutch pedals raised,

the switch I5 is closed and the switch It released 7 the battery throughlead Illa, contacts 66a and I2, lead lllb, solenoid l3, lead I 3a,switches l6 and- I5, lead 350, solenoid 36 and lead 35b 'to the contactson the bars 3| and 31. With the car at rest the pump 33 will not beoperating and the collapsible chamber 32 will assume a position in whichthe contacts at 33 on the bar 31 will be engaged, completing the circuitfrom the lead 65b through lead 36a, switch 33 and lead 39a to the groundthrough resistance 4| energizing the solenoid l3 and causing theoperation of the clutch pedal II to disengage the clutch and to closethe switches 22, 42, 41 and 54 as in the other construction. With theclutch disengaged and the switches closed the circuit is completedthrough switch 42, lead 42a and the solenoid 43 to the ground inparallel with the resistance 42, energizing solenoid 43 and operatingthe rod 46 to shift the gears to the low or first position. Movement ofthe rod 40 operates the switches 33 and 44 opening switch 39 and closingthe switch 44. It also operates the rod 66 to shift the valve 65 to apartly closed position so that upon the de-energization of the solenoidv|3 upon the opening of the switch 39, the return of the clutch toengaging position is delayed causing the clutch to engage at such a ratethat the Jar will not be objectionable. I

As in the other modification, movement of the rod 40 to engage the lowgear of the gear set A operates the rack and pinion 24 to close thecontact for the solenoid 23 associated therewith. With the engine inmotion the position of one end of the bar 3| will be dependent uponthedegree to which the collapsible chamber34 is collapsed by the vacuum inthe intake manifold and in order to prevent any change in the positionof this end of the bar during the operation of the gear set the solenoid36 is provided. Solenoid 36 is placed in the circuit with the solenoidl3 and energized at the same time so that each time the solenoid I3 isenergized to operate the clutch, the solenoid 36 is energized andoperates valve 36a to close the connection between the collapsiblechamber 34 and the pipe |4c leading to the intake manifold 35 thusmaintaining the degree of vacuum in the collapsible chamber 34 constantduring the operation of the gear set A and preventing any undesiredchanges in the position of the bar 3|. The solenoid 36 is also arrangedto operate a switch 6|..the purpose of which will be hereinafter setforth, at the same time that the valve 36a is operated.

As the clutch is engaged by the movement of the clutch pedal II, and thecar is placed in motion, the pump 33 is started and chamber 32 isexpanded as the speed of the car increases. Expansion of the chamber 32raises the other end of the bar 3| and raises the bar 3'! interruptingthe circuit at the contacts 38 and also opening a circuit at contacts 20on the bar 31. -As the speed of the car increases the end of the bar 3|controlled by the expansion chamber 32 is raised but the position of thecontacts on the bar 3|, however, is in some measure dependent upon thedegree of vacuum in the intake manifold 35 and the resultant contractionof the collapsible chamber 34. Under. light load where the degree ofvacuum in the chamber 34 is high the end of the rod 3| will be lifted tosome extent so that as great an increase in the speed of the car toengage the contacts 45, 450 would not be required as where the degree ofvacuum is low. Contacts 45, 45a when engaged complete a circuit from thebattery Ill through the solenoids 3 and 36 and the leads and switchespreviously described to contacts 45, 45a, lead 4517, switch 44, which isclosed while the rod 40 is in position with the low gears in mesh, lead44a to the ground through resistance 46, energizing the solenoids l3 and36 and causing the operation of the clutch pedal II and valve 36a,disengaging the clutch and closing the switches operated by theextension Ila. and disconnecting the collapsible chamber 341mm thesuction of the intake manifold 35. with the switches closed by theextension Ila, the circuit is extended through switch 41, lead 41a andsolenoid 46 to the ground in parallel with resistance 46, thusenergizing solenoidv 48 which operates rod 50 to shift the gears to thesecond or intermediate position. As in the other construction, operationof the rod 50 through the pin and slot connection returns the rod 40 tothe neutral position and opens switch 44 and closes switch 39. Movementof the rod 66 to the position engaging the intermediate gears, closesswitch 5| and engages switch 23 with the contact 21. Opening the switch44 interrupts the circuit of the solenoids l3 and 36 and permits theclutch to be re-engaged and the valve 36a to be opened. The return ofthe clutch to the engaging position is, however, governed by theenergization of solenoid 29 which is dependent upon the relative speedsor the engine and car as evidenced by the opposed voltages oi thegenerator 36 driven by the engine and generator 25 driven by the car.The circuit for the solenoid 29 is completed from the generator 30through the solenoid 29 by the switch 28 engaging the contact 21 whichis connected by lead 28a. with commutator 26 of generator 25. As in theother construction the commutators 26 and 26a are connected to armaturewindings having suflicient coils to give voltages which bear the samerelation as the gear ratios, thus giving voltages which are in accordwith the voltage of generator 30 when the engine is running at theproper speed for clutch engagement at each gear ratio. With theintermediate or second gear in mesh the switches 33 and 5| are closedand the circuits are established so that the gear set may be operated toplace the gear set in the low or first position in case the speed of thevehicle falls sumciently to cause the chamber 32 to collapse until thecontacts at 33 engage. In case, however, the speed of the car and thevacuum in intake manifold 35 continue toincrease, the chamber 32 willcontinue to expand and the chamber 34 will continue to collapse and thebar 3| will be raised until conpedal operated the clutch is disengagedand the switch 54 is closed by the extension Ha completing the circuitthrough lead 54a and solenoid 55 to the ground in parallel with theresistance 53, energizing the solenoid 55 and shifting the gear set tothe high gear position. The movement of the rod by the solenoid to thehigh gear position causes the rod 56 to operate the switch 56 to closedposition and to open switch 5| and to engage switch 28 with the contact21a. Opening of the switch 5| interrupts the circuit of the solenoids l3and 36 and causes the clutch to be re-engaged, the movement of theclutch in arouses re-engagernent being controlled by the valve 55 as inthe other construction. The valve 55 at this time is operated by thesolenoid 33 which is energized by current resulting from the opposedvoltages of the generator 30 and the generator 25 which, are connectedthrough the switch 23, the contact 21a and lead 23c to a commutator 25a.

With the gear set in the high or third position the switch 55 is closedso that if the load upon the engine becomes sufllcient to require athrottle opening which reduces the vacuum in theintake manifoldpermitting the chamber 34 to expand and the speed of the car dropscausing the chem ber 32 to collapse until the bar 3| assumes theposition in which the contact 51 engages the fixed contact 51a, acircuit is established from the battery l0 through solenoids l3 and 33and the leads and switches previously described to contacts 51, 51a,lead 5117, switch 55 and lead 44a to the ground through resistance 45,energizing the solenoid l3 and operating the clutch pedal 1| todisengage the clutch and to close the switch 41. Closing the switch 41completes a circuit through lead 41a and solenoid 43 to the ground inparallel with the resistance 45 energizing the solenoid 48 and shiftingthe gear set from high or third position to the second or intermediateposition and at the same time operating the rod 50 to open the switch 55and close-switch 5| and engage switch 28 with the contact 21. Opening ofthe switch 55 interrupts the circuit of the solenoid l3 permittting theclutch to be re-engaged, the re-engagement of the clutch, how-'even-being controlled as hereinbefore described by means of the solenoid29 operating thevalve 35. The closing of the switch 5| vby the rod 50and the closing of the switch 39 by the movement of the rod to neutralposition establishes circuits so that either solenoid 43 which oper-.

that it may be more nearly at the proper speed -for the engagement ofthe clutch each time the gears are shifted, a butterfly valve 52a in theintake pipe is provided. The butterfly valve is operated by a solenoid62 controlled by the 0pposed voltages of the generators 25 and 30 in thesame manner as is the solenoid 29. In order to provide for the controlof the circuits of solenoid 62, contacts 63, 53a governed by the bar 3|are arranged to be engaged when the contacts 45, a are engaged andcontacts 64, 54a are arranged to be engaged when the contacts 52, 52aare engaged. There-is also provided the switch 5| operatedby thesolenoid 35 which is closed when thevalve 36a is operated so that ateach operation of the solenoids I3, 36, the switch 6| is closed toestablish a circuit in case contacts 45, 45a or 54, 64a are engaged. Inthis modification as in the other, the gear set may be operated manuallyby depressing the switch IS in the handle of the gear shift lever 51- tocause the operation of the clutch and the re-engagement of the clutchwill be governed by the generators 25 and 30 as in the othermodification. When the gear set is moved to the first or low position,the rod 55 will be operated to partially close the valve 55 in order tolimit the movement of the clutch inengagement.

Operation of the brake pedal I! will cause the contacts I3 to engage.completing a circuit from the battery It through lead I00, contacts l3,

lead Ila, solenoid |I,-lead m. contacts :0 which engage when the carspeed is reduced to the proper rate, lead 230 and resistance 2| toground, energizing solenoid It to disengage the clutch and close switch22. Closing switch 22 completes a circuit through switch 22, lead 22a.and'solenoids 23 to ground, energizing the solenoids 23 and operatingrack and pinions 24 to restore eitherrod 40 or to neutral position.Movement of the rack and pinion 24 to restore the 'associated rod toneutral position operates the associated switch 230 to open position andbreaks the circuit for the solenoids I3 and. 23 permitting the clutch tore-engage. The gear set is now in'neutral position and the switches 38and 33 are do ed ready for the establishing of circuits to opera e thegear set to first position. I

- es 3 to 10 the controller bar 3| is shown arranged be operated at theleft end by bed directly to the accelerator instead of being connectedto a diaphragm which is operated by the vacuum in the intake.

In these figures are shown eight positions of the controller barrepresenting different conditions of driving the car. In Fig'. 3 areshown the conditions which prevail whenthe engine is idling'and the caris standing still. In this position both gear rods 40 and 50 are inneutral and contacts 45, 45a, 51, 51a and 52, 52a are disconnected bythe switches SI, and 44. The contacts at 38 are closed as is switch 39so that the car is ready to shift into low gear as soon as theaccelerator pedal II is pressed down. The

gear set cannot shift into any other gear even though the controller barmight make contact at this time as all other circuits are broken atother points. I

In Figure 4 the conditions shown are for the car running slowly in lowgear with the acelerator pressed slightly down. In this position switch44 is closed and contacts 45, 45a may be considered as "live" becausethe current will flow as soon as these contacts are closed, but thecircuits ofthe other contacts 51, 51a and 52, 52a are kept open by theswitches 5| and 56. As soon as the car'attains suflicient speed the gearset will be shifted into second gear by the closing of contacts 45, 4511as shown in Figure 5. In second gear switch 5| is closed and theswitches 55 and 44 are open and if the car attains sufllcient speed inproportion to the position of the accelerator the bar 3| will bepositioned to engage the contacts for high gear as shown in Figure 6..

As the speed increases, the right end of the controller bar 3| is raisedstill higher so that there is no possibility of engaging any second geareven though the accelerator is pressed all the way down as shown inFigure 7. But if, with the accelerator pressed ,all the way down, thespeed falls below a predetermined rate, the

contacts 51, 51a will close and the car will shift into second gear asshown in Figure 8. With the car in second gear, as the speed increasesit will 55 continue to operate in second gear until the increase inspeed and the raising of the accelerator closes the contacts 52, 52a'when it will again go into high gear. With the car running inhigh gearon a very light load and withthe accelerator almost up it requires a.very low speed to. bring the right end of the controller bar 3| down toa point where the contact. 51, 51a would meet and cause the gears to beshifted into second gear.

It is thus seen that with the accelerator up the car will not shift'intosecond until the speed becomes very low as shown in Fig. 10, but withthe accelerator all the way down, the car will shift into second at aconsiderably higher speed. The position of these contacts normal to thecontroller bar 3| and alsotheir position along the line of thecontroller bar 3i may be so adjusted as to obtain the shifting of thegears under such conditions as may be desired.

In driving the car backward it is necessary for 'low gear when theaccelerator is pressed down.

I claim:

1. In an automobile, a gear set, an accelerator pedal, means foroperating said gear set to establish different gear ratios controlled bysaid accelerator pedal and means operated by said gear set in moving toa gear ratio position for determining the gear ratio established by asubsequent operation of said gear set.

2. In an automobile, a gear set, an accelerator pedal, and electricaloperating means for shifting said gear set to a plurality of gear ratiopositions and an electric circuit controlling switch operated by saidaccelerator pedal for controlling said electrical operating means.

3. In an automobile, a gear set, an accelerator pedal, and electricaloperating means for said gear set controlled by said accelerator pedal,said gear set in moving to one gear ratio position establishing circuitsfor a subsequent operation to another gear ratio position.

4. In an automobile, a gear set, an accelerator pedal and electricaloperating means for said gear set controlled by said accelerator pedal,said gear set interrupting the completed circuits and establishingcircuits for a subsequent operation thereof.

5. In an automobile, a gear set, an accelerator pedal and electricaloperating means for said gear set controlled by said accelerator pedal,said gear set successively establishing circuits for its operation tosuccessively increasing gear ratios upon each operation thereof untilthe maximum gear ratio is attained.

6. In an automobile, a gear set, an accelerator pedal, means foroperating said gear set to es tablish different gear ratios controlledby said accelerator pedal, a brake pedal and means for operating saidgear set to neutral position when establishing any one of said differentgear ratios controlled by said brake pedal.

'7. In an automobile, a gear set, an accelerator pedal, electricaloperating means controlled by said accelerator pedal operating said gearset to establish difierent gear ratios, a brake pedal and electricaloperating means controlled by said brake pedal for restoring the gearset to neutral position.

8. In' an automobile, a gear set, an accelerator pedal and electricaloperating means for said gear set controlled by said accelerator pedal,electrical operating means for returning said gear set to neutralposition, a brake pedal and electrical contacts controlled by said brakepedal and gear set cooperating in the control of said second electricaloperating means.

9. In an automobile, a gear set, an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal,electrical operating With the means for said gear set controlled, bysaid accelerator pedal and means controlled by said brake pedal forrestoring said gear set to neutral position.

10. In an automobile, a gear set, an acceltor pedal and a brake pedal,electrical operating means for said gear set controlled by saidaccelerator pedal, means controlled jointly by said brake pedal andmeans responsive to the speed of the vehicle vfor restoring said gearset to neutral position.

11. In an automobile, a gear set, throttle valve control meansand-braking control means, operating means for said gear set controlledby said throttle valve control means and means controlled by saidbraking control means for operating said gear set to neutral position.

12. In an automobile, a gear set, throttle valve control means andbraking control means, operating means for said gear set controlled bysaid throttle valve control means and means responsive to the vehiclespeed preventing operation of said gear'set to neutral position by saidbraking control means while the vehicle speed exceeds a predeterminedvalue.

13. In an automobile, a gear set, throttle valve, clutch and brakingcontrolling means, means for operating the clutch controlled by saidthrottle valve controlling means, means for operating said gear setcontrolled by said clutch operating means and means controlled by saidbraking controlling means for operating said gear set to neutralposition.

14. In an automobile, an accelerator pedal, a clutch operating pedal, agear set, electrical means controlling the'operation of said clutchoperating means and gear set, means controlled by the operation of saidaccelerator pedal for controlling the operation or said clutchcontrolling means, means operated by said clutch operating pedal forcontrolling the operation of said gear set and means operated by saidgear set for establishing control circuits for the subsequent operationof said gear set.

15. In an automobile, a gear set, speed and the clutch controlled bysaid speed controlling I means, means for operating said gear setcontrolled by the operation of said clutch operating means and meansregulating the engagement of the clutch parts in accordance with therelative speeds of the clutch parts.

'17. In an automobile, a gear set, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal,a clutch pedal, means controlled by said accelerator pedal for operatingsaid clutch pedal, means controlled by said clutch pedal for operatingsaid gear set, means operated by said gearset for determining the nextoperation of said gear set and means operated by said brake pedal foroperating said gear set to neutral position. v

18. In an automobile, a gear set, a plurality of rails for shifting saidgear set to diflerent gear ratios, means connecting said rails wherebymovement of either rail to establish a gear ratio destroys a previouslyexisting gear ratio and means operated by said rails for establishingconnections for a succeeding operation of the gear set by said rails.

19. In an automobile, a gear set, a plurality of rails for shifting saidgear set to difl'erent gear ratios, means connecting said rails wherebymovement of either rail to an operative position returns to neutralposition any other rail in an operative position and means operated bysaid rails for establishing connections for a succeeding operation ofthe gear set by said rails.

20. In an, automobile, a gear set, means for operating said gear set toestablish different gear ratios, means operated toshift said gear setfrom one gear ratio position upon movement of said gear set to anothergear ratio position and means operated by said gear set for establishingconnections for a succeeding operation of saidgear set by said gear setoperating means.

21. In an automobile, a gear set, means for .operating said gear set toestablish diflerent gear ratios, means operated by said gear set inmoving to a gear ratio position to shift said gear set from a previouslyestablished gear ratio position and means operated by said gear set forestablishing connections for a succeeding operation of said gear set bysaid gear set operating means. I

22. In an automobile, a gear set, rails for operating said gear set todifferent gear ratios, means for operating said rails, means forshifting a previously operated rail to neutral position upon theoperation of a rail to a gear ratio position and means operated by saidrails for establishing connections for a succeeding operation of thegear set by said rails.

23. In an automobile, a gear set, clutch operating means for operatingsaid gear set to establish different gear ratios, a brake pedal andmeans controlled by said brake pedal for shifting said gear set from agear ratio position.

24. In an automobile, a gear set having rails for operating said gearset to establish different gear ratios, clutch operating means'foroperating said rails, a brake pedal and means controlled by said brakepedal for shifting said rails from an established gear ratio position. aI

. 25. In an automobile, a gear set having operating rails therefor, aclutch operating means, means operated by said clutch operating meansfor operating said railsand speed controlling means controlling theoperation of said clutch operating means.

26. In an automobile, a gear set having operating rails therefor, aclutch operating means, means operated by said clutch operating meansfor operating said rails and means operated by said rails fordetermining the next operation of said rails by said clutch operatingmeans.

27. In an automobile, a gear set having operating rails therefor, aclutch operating means,

4 means operated by said clutch operating means for operating said railsand means "positioned by said rails in moving to one position fordetermining a position to which the rails can be moved by a subsequentoperation of said clutch braking means controlling the operation of saidlever to return said rail to the neutral position.

29. In an automobile, a gear set, for controlling the speed 01 thevehlcle'and means for operating said gear set to establish diiterentgear ratios, said speed controlling means having positions holding thegear set operating means inoperative when said gear set is in certaingear engagements and putting in motion said gear set when moved to otherpositions.

30. In an automobile, a gear set, means for operating said gear set toestablish diflerent gear ratios and means operated by said gear set inmoving to a gear ratio position for determining the gear ratioestablished by" a subsequent operation of said gear set.

31. In an automobile, a gear set, means for controlling the speed of thevehicle, means for operating said gear set to establish diflerent gearratios, said speed controlling means having positions holding the gearset operating means inoperative and putting in motion said gear setoperating means and means for determining the position of the gear setafter an operation thereof by its position before the operation thereoat all speeds of the vehicle.

32, In an automobile, a gear set, an accelerator pedal, means operatingsaid gear set to different gear ratios controlled by said acceleratorpedal, a brake pedal and means controlled by said brake pedal forrestoring the gear set to. neutral position.

33. In an automobile, a gear set, an accelerator pedal and a brakepedal, means for operating said gear set controlled by said acceleratorpedal, and means controlled jointly by said brake pedal and meansresponsive to the speed of the vehicle for restoring said gear set toneutral position.

34. In an automobile, a gear set, a source of power for shifting saidgear set, connecting means between said source of power and said gearset, manually controlled means controlling said connecting means tooperatesaid gear set and means operative upon operation of saidconnecting means by said manually controlled means to hold saidconnecting means in position connecting said source of power and gearset until operation of said gear set is completed.

35. In an automobile, agear set, a source of power for shifting saidgear set, means for connecting said source of power and said gear set,manually controlled means to operate said connecting means for shiftingfrom one forward speed to another and means operated by said gear setfor interrupting said connecting means upon the completion of theshifting of said gear set by the power driven means.

36. In an automobile, a gear set, a' source of power for shifting saidgear set, clutch 'operating means, means for connecting said source ofpower and said gear set, means operated by the said clutch operatingmeans for controlling said connecting means and means holding saidconnecting means connected by said clutch operating means until shiftingof said gear set is completed.

3'7. In an automobile, a gear set, a source of power for shifting saidgear set, clutch controlling means, connecting means between said sourceof power and said gear set, means operated by said clutclrcontrollingmeans to operate said connecting means, and means automatically holdingsaid clutch operating means in position to efl'ect operation of saidconnecting'means until shifting of said gear set is completed.

38. In an automobile, a gear set, a source of power for shifting saidgear set, clutch operating means, means for connecting said source ofpower and said gear set, means operated by said clutch operating meansto control said connecting means, and manually operated meanscooperating with said clutch operating means to control said connectingmeans for shifting from one forward speed to another.

39. In an automobile, a gear set, a source 01' power for shifting saidgear set, clutch operating means, manually operated means forcontrolling said clutch operating means in shifting from one forwardspeed to another, means for connecting said source of power and saidgear set, means operated by said clutch operating means to control saidconnecting means, and means operated by said gear set to control saidclutch operating means in the control of said connecting means upon thecompletion of the shifting of said gear set.

40. In an automobile, a gear set, a source of power for shifting saidgear set, clutch operating means, manually operated means forcontrolling said clutch operating means in shifting from one forwardspeed to another, means for connecting said source of power and saidgear set, means operated by said clutch operating means to control saidconnecting means and means automatically disconnecting said source ofpower from said gear set upon the completion of the shifting of saidgear set.

JAMES L. GETAZ.

